Pink Corydoras (Axelrod's Cory)
Hoplisoma axelrodi
A small and timid Colombian Corydoras. It is distinguished by its pinkish base coloration and the thick, unbroken black band that runs along its lower flank.
Water Temperature
22 - 26 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.2
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
4.5 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 60 L
Minimum group
6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Conductivity
63 - 375 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Meta River basin in Colombia. Prefers small lowland tributaries and slow-flowing streams, soft sandy bottoms and riparian vegetation.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Pink Corydoras (Hoplisoma axelrodi). One of the most minute species, characterized by a rather stocky snout profile. The species is named after Herbert R. Axelrod.
Social Behavior: Gregarious and very sociable fish. Tends to stay compact in the group during movements on the bottom. Single keeping is absolutely forbidden, requires schools of at least 6 specimens.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light livery (pinkish or light beige) with a conspicuous black lateral stripe that widens towards the operculum, and a black spot on the dorsal fin. Females are significantly rounder and more massive in the abdominal area.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: 60 cm (24 inches) tank. Substrate of fine sand only. Create shaded areas with roots or meanders of rounded stones, to allow the school to rest away from intense light.
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. Readily accepts sinking pellets for bottom fish and highly appreciates tubifex, bloodworms and brine shrimp, both frozen and live, while rummaging through debris.
Water Quality: Does not have extreme requirements for pH, tolerating neutral water well, but suffers greatly from nitrogenous compounds (ammonia, nitrites, high nitrates).
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent for peaceful community tanks. Cohabits peacefully with small Characins (Neons, Cardinals), rasboras and other calm catfish.
Aquarium Breeding: The female glues eggs that are very large in relation to her size on glass or vegetation (up to 60 eggs). The temperature drop induced by water changes is the reproductive trigger.
Risks and Diseases: Susceptible to barbel wear caused by unsuitable bottoms, and systemic bacterial infections if nitrates exceed 30 ppm.
Geographic origin and distribution
Meta River basin in Colombia. Prefers small lowland tributaries and slow-flowing streams, soft sandy bottoms and riparian vegetation.
Origin
Extra-Amazon South America
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Hoplisoma axelrodi are peaceful, social schooling fish that thrive when kept in groups. Keeping them in numbers of at least six individuals greatly reduces their stress and promotes natural behaviors. They are completely harmless to plants and other tank inhabitants.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- These are omnivorous bottom feeders that require a varied diet to thrive. Their meals should include high-quality sinking pellets, wafers, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms. A balanced diet ensures proper growth and vibrant coloration for Hoplisoma axelrodi.
- Life expectancy
- 5-8 years
- Adult size
- 4.5 cm
- Sex ratio
- Specific M:F ratio
- Maintaining a ratio of two or three males for every female is ideal for breeding purposes. This ratio encourages natural spawning behaviors and increases the chances of successful fertilization. In non-breeding community tanks, the exact ratio for Hoplisoma axelrodi is less critical.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- They should be fed small amounts once or twice a day. It is important to provide only what Hoplisoma axelrodi can consume within a few minutes to prevent water fouling. Occasional fasting days can also be beneficial for their digestive health.
- Bioload
- Low
- The Hoplisoma axelrodi has a relatively low bioload compared to many other species of similar size. They are efficient scavengers that help keep the substrate clean, which slightly offsets their waste production. However, adequate biological and mechanical filtration is still necessary to maintain optimal water quality in the aquarium.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- They prefer moderate water movement that simulates their natural riverine habitats. A gentle current provides necessary oxygenation without exhausting the fish. Avoid overly strong flow that could sweep Hoplisoma axelrodi away or cause stress.
- Jump risk
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Hoplisoma axelrodi in captivity is possible but requires specific water conditions and conditioning. They are egg layers that typically deposit their adhesive eggs on broad leaves or the aquarium glass. Parents may eat the eggs, so it is often best to raise the fry in a separate tank.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- Peaceful
- They are incredibly peaceful and make excellent additions to community aquariums. Hoplisoma axelrodi gets along well with most other peaceful, similarly sized fish. Aggressive or large tank mates should be avoided as they may intimidate or harm them.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- They are obligate bottom dwellers that spend the majority of their time on the substrate. Hoplisoma axelrodi constantly rummage through sand or smooth gravel in search of food. Very rarely will they be seen swimming in the middle or upper levels of the water column.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
FishBase v25.04Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 3 ± 0.4 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.00741, b = 3.14
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
